Guy: This is a great article by Matt Hoo of 5th Element Wellness. After working in the fitness industry for many years myself, there are many great questions raised that you should ask yourself before committing to a gym membership. After all it’s results we after right? I believe it’s great to want to look good in the mirror (who doesn’t want that?), but it also really important that this is built on a foundation of strong health goals long term.
I met the guys from 5EW last year on the Wim Hof (Iceman) retreat. I got to spend some time at their facility and was blown away at what they have created and they are truly leading the way in the future of health and fitness facilities.
So if you are looking to take the next step in your weekly workout/exercise/fitness/health goals, then this post is certainly worth your time. Over to Matt 🙂
We all know the story: a friend summons up the courage to join a gym, totally committed to achieving some phenomenal life changing results, and then, after buying all the right gear (new shoes anyone) they turn up to the gym ready for an earth shattering physical transformation, only to realise how long it’s going to take and how difficult it’s really going to be.
The weeks go by and it’s not long before the once intense flame of motivation flickers and dies out. Exercising 3 or 4 times a week becomes 1 or 2. Eventually it becomes a rolling absence with no end and no way back in. They promise they’ll start again next week, month, year, but it’s cold outside and food’s easily delivered these days.
Hence, it’s pretty safe to say ‘your friend’ becomes just another person with a gym membership, just another unused swiper/beeper/buzzer in the soulless factory the fitness industry has become.
Commercial gyms depend on this, your absence, because without a doubt, the industry is more motivated by money than helping people reach their goals and sticking to their programs. This is easier for them to manage, but certainly not ideal for your results.
I’m not necessarily talking about the individuals that work there, but more so the way the business models are structured.
The fact is, most commercial gyms have around 2000 to 4000 members. Could you imagine what it would look like if even 50% of these people were frequently exercising on the premises? There wouldn’t be close to enough room.
And what about the 24-hour gyms popping up everywhere?
This business model works from a financial perspective. Customers convince themselves that the 24-hour availability will make it easier to stay accountable and that their feeble excuses to stay at home will be harder to fashion. But beyond never closing, these gyms don’t address the fundamental problem of motivation and results. And once again the vicious cycle of joining but not going continues.
How about a facility where:
- People know you by name and treat you as an individual.
- Personal Trainers don’t pay ‘rent’ to operate a business from the gym, but the gym actually hires and educates them to ensure high standards and a professional etiquette.
- If you don’t show up, then someone actually chases you and holds you accountable to your initial commitment and goals.
- If you don’t get results, then you receive individual attention to get you back on track.
| In chasing a more financially profitable business model, the fitness industry has focused more on monetary results and less on helping people. |
But people join gyms to achieve results, that’s the whole point of going. So if you find one that genuinely helps you, grab on and don’t let go. Even if it takes a little longer to travel to, or costs more, it is absolutely worth it if you actually want to get lasting results.
It’s not going to be the cheapest option on the market, but it’s much more likely to be the one that gets you results and cares about your journey, and not just your membership fee.
How do you know it’s not a soulless membership factory?
Go for a trial and pay attention to how things feel. Look to see if the staff are visible, knowledgeable, and approachable.
The one question I’d highly recommend you ask is: What will you do to make sure I keep coming back?
If they have a clear well defined system that supports your journey, then you’re probably onto a good thing. The reason I use ‘system’ is because you want to remove the personality of the influential sales person sitting across from you. If the business is set up primarily to focus on members’ results, they’ll have systems in place and be able to articulate these to you clearly.
| At 5EW, we diligently track and manage our coaches on the results they achieve with their clients. |
This is our main KPI. In the fitness industry, I believe results should come first. So why don’t most places measure this and hold staff accountable? Could it be because they put finances before their member results…?
So find a place where you get individual attention.
| Your journey to looking good and more importantly, feeling amazing, requires expert scrutiny. |
This may shock some of you, but eating less and exercising more is nearly always a recipe for failure. With hundreds of success stories at 5EW, I can tell you you’re better off eating more and training less – when done right for you! There’s a lot that makes you unique. Get the detail to have your situation analysed properly to remove the guess work.
What works for one person is not the same for the next. Factors like stress levels, gut health, lean muscle mass, mobility restriction, and nutrition are just the tip of the iceberg and it all needs to be taken into account.
So avoid the factories, don’t become just another member donating membership fees to a facility you never use. Search hard to find the right fitness center that has both the heart and structure to accomplish your goals. It could be one of the most important events in your life!
Do I have a vested interest in this? Of course I do! I’m the General Manager and co-founder of a PT & yoga studio, a wellness centre challenging the conventional industry model. And I absolutely stand by our facility – at 5th Element Wellness we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. But don’t take my word for it.
Come in, try it, and decide for yourself.
This article is brought to you Matt Hoo. He is an entrepreneur, and father of two, he started working in the fitness industry since 2001 mainly in management. He’s passionate about personal development and fully embracing life.
Learn more about 5th Element Wellness Here.
